Final answer:
Before the trial of Standing Bear, Indians living in the territories did not have legal rights in U.S. courts. It wasn't until 1887 with the passage of the Dawes Act that Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship and certain legal rights in courts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before the trial of Standing Bear, Indians living in the territories did not have legal rights in U.S. courts. This was due to the concept of 'domestic dependent nations' which treated Native American tribes as separate nations under U.S. protection, but not as U.S. citizens with full legal rights. It wasn't until 1887 with the passage of the Dawes Act that Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship and certain legal rights in courts.
Learn more about Legal rights of Indians in U.S. courts